The delicate Litotes:
Imagine giving remarks to someone, “Not Bad” instead of “Good.” What is it? How does it sound? Its Litotes Definition: It is a figure of speech that uses a negative way to represent positive things. For Example: saying “Not useless” to say something “useful.” Let’s explore Litotes definition and Examples, and Types of Litotes. This is a way writers use to engage the audience. It is a useful tool to delve the audience into your content.
Britannica states it is an intended understatement to emphasize something by negation.
Dictionary.com defines it as an understatement to express an affirmative by the negative of its opposite. Fo Example: “Not bad at all.”
Cambridge Dictionary defines it as emphasizing a positive meaning by using a negative statement. For example, “A not bad methodology (= a good Methodology)
According to merriam-webster, its an understatement to express an affirmative by the negative of the contrary (“not unhappy” = “happy)
Grammarly defines it as a phrase that describes affirmatives by negating its opposite, by an understatement.
It is a Figure of Speech with a wide range of styles and contexts. Thus plays a vital role in formal, poetic as well as in casual conversation. It results in a unique charm and grace. This figure of speech brings modesty and humility in language.
Litotes Example:
Following are some of litotes Examples. It will play a vital role in understanding in a perfect way.
- Not unkind
- Not unloved
- Not unwise
- Not unaware
- Not unhappy
- Not untried
- Not unusual
Explore some more Litotes Examples in English Grammar
Examples of Litotes
Double Negative
Double Negative Litotes Definition is the occurrence of a double negative form, For Example: “not unlike” means “similar to.” It involves negating a word twice by negating its meaning. Avoid it as it is considered bad writing.It is not a considered a concise way as it uses more words. It’s permissible to use litotes in informal writing as sometimes it gives a slightly different meaning rather than saying “happy.”
Litotes Examples and use in Sentences!
- Her choice is not bad
- He is not bad at baking.
- The Maths test is not tough
- She is not intolerant.
TYPES OF LITOTES:
Let’s explore Types of Litotes Definition and Examples.
Minimal Litotes:
It uses a little negative to present a strong positive.
For example, saying “not wrong” to mean “right.”
Double Negative Litotes:
This uses double negatives and results in a positive effect.
For Example, saying “not unlike” means “kind.”
Litotes of Irony:
It creates a touch of sarcasm or irony.
For Example: “He’s not the sharpest one in the class” to say he’s quite unintelligent.
Litotes of Weak Affirmation:
This type is used to express something in a positive way but with a sense of constraint.
For example, saying “not unthrilled” to indicate it is partially enjoyable.
Litotes of Understatement:
This type minimizes something to show its value and importance.
For instance, saying “not a bad opinion” shows it’s a wonderful idea.
Types of Litotes on the basis of dimensions of opposition:
Litotes are of different types on the basis of opposition. Let’s explore Types of Litotes Definition and Examples.
- Contradictory (negation + negation)
- Contrary (negation + antonym)
- Relative (negation + correlation/meronymy)
Rules to Consider While Writing?
After exploring Litotes Definition and Examples. Let’s explore the rules to consider while writing. It is not a clear, but a convoluted way of writing. It creates confusion if misused.
Always Add a negative:
- The defining characteristic of litotes is describing a positive thing by including a negative. For example: It’s not hot outside.
Consider the context:
- It can be a factual or an understatement depending on the context. Use wisely.
It should always be an understatement:
- The literary effect should be an understatement.
Purpose of litotes in writing:
They have various purposes, including rhetoric, emphasis, and avoidance.
Rhetoric
Persuasion or motivation is the main objective. Readers are likely to support the argument and feel less distanced. As they relate to the author on a deeper level.
Emphasis
It highlights the actual difference of the two things. It provides comparisons.
Avoidance
The ambiguity or vagueness may be intentionally used.
Litotes and Types of Litotes with Definitions and Examples
